While pest controllers have been working on new ways
to kill termites, one Brisbane entrepreneur has spent
the past 10 years trying to find them.

In
an attempt to avoid archaic and disruptive demolition
procedures, Jim Davies invented a radar-like
technology which detects termites through solid barriers
in a non-destructive manner.

The progressive-thinking businessman's method promises
to thwart burgeoning numbers of termites and remove
the guesswork from termite detection.
The technology is timely following a January announcement
by the Queensland Building Services Authority to pursue
fraud charges against a local pest control company.
The firm allegedly charged home-owners and developers
for anti-termite treatments it did not undertake.

Many homes in the Forest Lake community west of Brisbane
were subsequently found to be harboring termites.

Mr. Davies's invention, known as TERMATRAC®, uses microwave
technology to emit a radar signal that penetrates the
material being searched. When a signal is disturbed
by termite activity, the operator is alerted via a
liquid crystal display.

"TERMATRAC® means that there is no need to tear
up carpet, tiles and floor-boards to establish nests," Mr.
Davies said.

"You are able to track their activity to establish
their entry point, discover the extent of their activity,
locate their nests and determine the most suitable
treatment procedures," he said. Mr. Davies said
the new technology was suitable for pest controllers,
electricity companies, railways and forestry departments.

He came up with the idea during a nine-year stint
as a pest controller. He said he could not understand
why such a device had not previously been invented.

Mr. Davies worked on the project on a part-time basis
when he could afford the time and the money to fund
his research.

When the TERMATRAC® system was significantly developed,
Mr. Davies sought investment to complete the $1 million
project. ...